GAIL (India) Limited has successfully commenced year-round operations at its 5 million tonnes per annum (MMTPA) liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal at Dabhol, Maharashtra. This landmark achievement, marked by the recent berthing and discharge of the LNG vessel "GAIL Bhuwan" during the monsoon season, transforms the Dabhol facility into an all-weather port.

Previously, the Ratnagiri terminal, commonly known as the Dabhol LNG plant, faced annual four-month shutdowns from May 25 due to the high sea swells during the monsoon, which posed risks to ships and the jetty. The completion of a state-of-the-art breakwater project has now mitigated this challenge, allowing safe and reliable LNG handling throughout the year, even during the traditionally disruptive Southwest monsoon period.

The "GAIL Bhuwan" arrived at the terminal on June 2, 2025, a momentous occasion overseen by GAIL Chairman and Managing Director Sandeep Kumar Gupta and Director (Marketing) Sanjay Kumar. This successful operation officially marks the commencement of continuous, round-the-year activities at the crucial facility.

Strategically located on the Maharashtra coastline, the Dabhol LNG Terminal is a vital component of India's natural gas infrastructure. It currently boasts a regasification capacity of 5.0 MMTPA, feeding into the national gas grid via the Dabhol–Bangalore and Dabhol–Panvel pipelines. This continuous operation will significantly enhance the terminal's capacity utilization and vessel accessibility, thereby strengthening India's energy supply chain.

The Dabhol breakwater project is a testament to advanced marine engineering, employing an innovative island breakwater design unlike conventional land-connected systems. GAIL emphasized that the project overcame numerous technical complexities through customized solutions and extensive collaboration among various stakeholders. With all statutory approvals now secured, the terminal's designation as an all-weather port is a critical transformation for India's marine logistics.

This milestone comes at a pivotal time as GAIL embarks on ambitious expansion plans for the Dabhol terminal. The company aims to increase its capacity from the current 5.0 MMTPA to 6.3 MMTPA in the first phase over the next three years. Once this expansion is complete, the terminal is projected to handle up to 100 LNG cargoes annually, further solidifying India's energy security and reducing its reliance on other fossil fuels. This move aligns with India's broader strategy to increase the share of natural gas in its energy mix, moving towards a more sustainable and low-carbon future. The ability to import LNG consistently, irrespective of weather conditions, provides greater stability and flexibility to India's energy landscape, supporting industrial growth and power generation across the country.